This song is by no means for the ordinary listener. It is for the musically adventurous and for those who are looking for a unique sound and a thought-provoking musical experience. Ivory Keyes transforms his life traumas and struggles into a uniquely crafted piece of music. Gifting his audience with a sound like no other and a statement of confidence and self-embracement, and this is exactly what makes Keyes stand out!
Growing up in a low-income household after being taken in by his grandparents, the artist witnessed glimpses of safety and stability that didn’t necessarily last as much as a young boy would hope. Making music became his sole refuge and space of self-expression and liberation.
His relationship with music did not end as a young boy, in fact, it turned out to be an incredible outlet for his anger and pain throughout his adolescent and adult life. “Natural Born Killa” emerges as the child of an incredible collaboration between Keyes and the legendary hip-hop producer and rapper, Nottz Raw. Bringing to life a unique alternative hip-hop experience by combining Raw’s super catchy baselines and beats with Keyes striking lyrics and vocal performance.
The song opens up with some driven guitar strokes and an evocative “killer!” intro performed with Keyes incredible vocals. Right from the start you feel the defiance in his music. It goes against all norms and expectations, with the lyrics mainly centered around the artist’s ability to defy all odds, and transform his anger and resentment towards his past into a bold acknowledgment and a statement of self-acceptance and self-awareness. His childhood was not a walk in the park, but it sure gave him a unique outlook on life and how to live it with no remorse.
Keyes incredible vocal diversity is perfectly reinforced with Raw’s beats and production ability. The beat used might at first listen seem a little bit slow, but it perfectly resembles the steady and firm evolution of Keyes journey, and it sure keeps you banging throughout the track!
“Natural Born Killa” is a debut single that marks the start of an incredibly promising artistic journey for Keyes. It lays a solid foundation to the artist’s musical style and a strong base of rapport with his audience thanks to his incredible sense of awareness and honesty. You cannot help but wonder what the artist has to say next!
